Say spaaaah!

Gel manicures, bespoke facials, Nordic spas—it's time for some me time.

Northerners know that our gorgeous natural surroundings and outdoor activities are an excellent way to rejuvenate and refresh. But if you’re craving some indoor downtime, we’ve got that too! Why not add a spa day—or spa weekend—on to your trip to enjoy the best of both worlds? Or perhaps other members of your group are hunters, anglers or snowmobilers, and you prefer a somewhat softer approach to your vacation time? Whether you’re looking for a fun getaway with friends, some dedicated me-time or a relaxing retreat with someone special, these independent northern spas and salons offer an exciting array of fundamental beauty services and advanced esthetic technology.

Sudbury: Touch of Heaven Nordic Spa & Retreat

Stay for the day or book a night or two in a well-appointed suite at this indulgent spa on 150 acres of forested land just northwest of Sudbury. In addition to a variety of massages, reiki treatment, facials, manis, pedis and speciality treatments like waxing, you can relax at their indoor Nordic spa with a saltwater pool, sauna and hot tub. Something to look forward to: the opening of their outdoor Nordic spa with a series of hot and coldwater pools to awaken your senses. 

Learn more tohsparetreat.com

North Bay: Tranquility Spa Salon

Take your pick of an impressive array of services at this serene day spa and salon. In addition to a hair cut or colour, you can also opt for everything from a hydrofacial, infrared sauna, or massage to body wraps and scrubs, manis and pedis and microblading. Medical esthetic services include Botox and fillers from a RPN cosmetic nurse, as well as a facial with radiofrequency technology and “medifacials” like microneedling. 

Learn more tranquilityspanorthbay.com

Sault Ste. Marie: The Greenhouse Spa

This award-winning spa is located inside the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, making it a great choice for group getaways. Consider a spa package like the Couple’s Spa Retreat or Spa Time with Mommy, or customize your own. Options include a variety of laser treatments, threading, waxing, microblading, massage therapy, eyelash extensions, mani-pedis, facials and reflexology. One new addition to the spa menu of services is the relaxing Indian Head Massage. You can also dine at the in-house restaurant, Quattro Vinotecca.

Learn more greenhousespa.ca

Timmins: Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa

Retreat to this 49-room resort nestled on 175 acres just northwest of Timmins. The Nordic baths, with alternating hot and cold experiences, are a popular choice, or you can opt for a facial, hand or foot treatments, laser treatments or a variety of massage options. There are some fun body treatments too: how about Chocolate Decadence or Blueberry Soy Bliss? Choose from a variety of comfortable guest rooms and suites (some with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs) and enjoy meals at Le Voyageur, the on-site restaurant serving contemporary Canadian cuisine. You can also tour the resort’s 100-acre wildlife park via a tractor-drawn wagon, to get a look at bison, elk and fallow deer. 

Learn more cedarmeadows.com

Cochrane: Simply Luxurious Esthetics

This boutique day spa in Cochrane offers a lovely sampling of both spa packages and individual services. Facials, manicures, pedicures, hair removal, tinting and makeup services, massages, reiki, acne treatments, wraps and scrubs are all on the spa menu. (Tip: the Detoxifying Mud Treatment is a local favourite.) Another great touch is that the spa also carries self-care products from a number of natural, Canadian-made lines. 

Learn more simplyluxuriousesthetics.ca

Thunder Bay: Drift Salon/Day Spa

From reflexology and mani-peds to hair-care services, hot stone massage and esthetics, you can find it all at this welcoming Thunder Bay day spa. Advanced facial treatments are on the menu, including dermaplaning, oxygen facials, hydrabrasion, chemical peels, and customized treatments with medical-grade skin care. Youth-specific services for kids 12 and under, like pedicures, manicures and facials, are available too. Drift’s boutique also carries a nice selection of locally made products, such as candles, foot scrubs and scrunchies.

Learn more driftdayspa.ca

Dryden: L.A. Medical Aesthetics

Discover high-tech esthetic services at this Dryden business. Start with a skincare analysis and consultation and then choose from a select menu that includes a chemical peel, dermal infusion silk peel, microneedling, photofacial treatments and non-invasive skin tightening.  

Learn more lamedicalaesthetics.com

Kenora: The Beauty Cabin

Known for their beautifully unique approach to gel nail art (with everything from swirls to florals to spiderwebs), this salon in Kenora doesn’t stop there. You can also book services like microblading, manicures, pedicures, a 90-minute facial, makeup application and eyelash extensions (how about a few hot-pink lashes mixed in while you’re at it?)

Learn more thebeautycabin.ca

In Northern Ontario, you can take advantage of the great indoors as well as the great outdoors! Pair exceptional time on our beautiful trails with luxury pampering time, for a truly unforgettable getaway. 

About Bonnie Schiedel

Bonnie Schiedel is the founder of www.tbaywithkids.ca, which covers fun family-friendly attractions, events and restaurants in Thunder Bay. She enjoys canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing and travel, and you can read more of her award-winning work at www.northstarwriting.ca.